Maybellene Gamboa (Colorado State University) works on evolution and adaptation in Channel Island and mainland song sparrows in response to climate change to inform conservation management. She employs field and lab techniques to identify morphological and physiological adaptations to temperature in these widespread birds, and to determine the extent to which these adaptations are genetically controlled. Stunt Ranch Reserve is centrally-located in the Santa Monica Mountains, close to many riparian areas where she and her team often find song sparrows, and has open and accessible lab space that is great for running her experiments.
Research Project | 2018